Chairman David Cordish was honored due to his companies’ commitment to embrace minority business inclusion through their partnerships and within their corporate culture, citing the companies’ lead joint venture partner, Commercial Interiors/TN Ward for the construction of the Maryland Live! Casino, one of the largest casino/entertainment facility’s in the country.  Upon its completion in the Fall of 2012, the gaming and entertainment destination located at Arundel Mills will feature approximately 4,750 slot machines and employ a projected 1,500 people.  Additionally, the MWMCA recognized The Cordish Companies for selecting Zed Smith, a prominent African American businessman, as Chief Financial Officer and partner in the century-old company.

 

“We are truly honored to be recognized by the MWMCA for our continuing commitment to work with minority-owned businesses,” said David Cordish of The CoCommercial Interiors is not only extremely distinguished and experienced in their field, but they’re also a local company.  Involving Maryland companies in the construction of the casino project and hiring Maryland employees for the operations has been very important to us from the start. This is really a win-win for all businesses and citizens of our state.” 

 

Cordish accepted the honor at the MWMCA’s 8^th Annual Spring Minority Business Enterprise Outreach and Exhibitor Showcase Expo where he was keynote speaker and received a standing ovation for his award.  Maryland Senator Benjamin L. Cardin, Maryland Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown and Baltimore Gas & Electric’s President, Kenneth DeFontes were also on hand to address the crowd.  The event attracted over thirteen hundred guests from 52 companies and across eight states who came to network and celebrate individuals and businesses that have made significant strides to further Maryland’s inclusive missions.

 

The Cordish Companies, now in its fourth generation of family ownership, is an international conglomerate of businesses including one of the leading gaming, entertainment and real estate development companies in the United States. The company has diverse development expertise with divisions focused on Entertainment & Mixed-Use, Gaming & Lodging, Sports Anchored Districts, Shopping & Lifestyle Retail, Office and Residential. The Cordish Companies also owns and manages a diverse group of operating businesses, ranging from gaming, restaurants/clubs to live music promotion and film/media distribution. The company values itself on the quality of its operations, its long-term relationships and high level of integrity in all of its endeavors. 

 

 is the largest and most successful developer of entertainment districts and concepts in the United States. In particular, the company has unparalleled experience in creating and revitalizing high-profile destinations in urban core locations. Many of The Cordish Companies’ projects involve public/private partnerships and are of unique significance to the cities in which they are located. Prime examples are the company's prominent role in the redevelopment of Baltimore's world-famous Inner Harbor; Atlantic City, NJ; Hollywood, FL; Charleston, SC; Houston, TX; Louisville, KY; Tampa, FL, Kansas City, MO; and Towson, MD.

 

The Cordish Companies has received the highest possible national awards in its various areas of expertise. In real estate, The Cordish Companies has received an unprecedented seven Urban Land Institute Awards of Excellence.